Ender and blackbeltdude, what are we going to do with you children?Neither of you is living up to the ideals classicaly associated with good martial arts practicioners or the accepted standard for behavior in polite society,ie. courtesy, compassion, patience or self discipline.What would your momma's say?

In answer to your question S&Mkitten, you would have to research different tournaments or tournament associations.Each tournament or association would have different rules, standards, etc. I do know they do have freestyle forms competitions, I have seen them broadcast on espn.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by nekogami13:In answer to your question S&Mkitten, you would have to research different tournaments or tournament associations.Each tournament or association would have different rules, standards, etc. I do know they do have freestyle forms competitions, I have seen them broadcast on espn.[/QUOTE]

I've seen some of these as well as seeing some in competition. They are an example of everything I hate about the MA's.The katas shown had various prerequisites;

1. You must be between 11 & 17.2. You must be able to do the splits cartwheels, and back-flips.3. You must be able to stand on one leg while flapping the other one at head height for 10 minutes or so.4. Your outfit should be as ridiculous as possible.5. You must be able to shout at 110db on every technique, no matter how pathetic.

And don't even get me started on their weapons forms. Some are lucky not to get off the mat without their kama's implanted where the sun don't shine.

The only advice I have for smitten kitten is to avoid them like the plague.

My, I'm so glad I got that all off my chest [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif[/IMG]

hehe ender! lol thanks [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/cool.gif[/IMG]! lol as for blackbeltdude, i am extremely sorry about not capitilizing the word I. i hope it didnt cause you to have a breakdown, because i know i would never live with that burden on my conscience. [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif[/IMG]

I agree with JohnL( for once) and will go even further to say that competition is garbage outside of the full contact arena and poomse competition is especially garbage since all it is is a gathering of Mcdojos to see who can look prettier on a floor while paying more club dues than anyones else for their trophies. Phew! Your right JohnL it does feel good.

When will you realise that I'm always right [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif[/IMG]

I disagree with you however that the only competitions worth anything are full contact ones. Different people do competitions for different reasons. If it satisfies their needs then fine. I don't have to agree with what they do.

To perform well in kata competitions you need to demonstrate a high level of physical ability. I confess to having reservations about even "traditional" kata conpetitions nowadays as they appear to be moving to a very contrived exhibition of bunkai to look spectactular.

To each is own but personally I think point/sport competition only does one thing for the MA and thats generate sport schools that tell people that these are street effective techniques when often they are not.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chen Zen:To each is own but personally I think point/sport competition only does one thing for the MA and thats generate sport schools that tell people that these are street effective techniques when often they are not.[/QUOTE]

Hey Chen Zen

I agree with the problem, but disagree with the causation you suggest.

I don't think it's the practice of sport karate that's at fault, but if instructors who teach a sport oriented MA then say it's street effective, that's where you run into a problem.

Mind you, I have been on my share of "This is the real thing", "The most practical system known to mankind", "Get, real", seminars. Some have been useful. Some have been crap.